‘Detectives remain committed’: APD shares update on Texas A&M student death

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Police are continuing to investigate the death of a Texas A&M student in the West Campus area of Austin on Saturday, assuring community members of their commitment to the investigation.

The family of 19-year-old Brianna Aguilera is still fighting for answers tonight. Her mother, Stephanie Rodriguez, told CBS Austin she died after falling from a balcony in the West Campus neighborhood over the weekend.

Rodriguez and her family have suggested foul play may be involved in her daughter’s death, but Austin Police deny that any evidence suggests criminal activity.

“It’s just a confusing time to grieve while also looking for answers as to what happened to our baby Bri,” said Aguilera’s cousin, Amabeli Fernandez.

Police confirmed Tuesday night that the case is still open.

“Multiple detectives continue to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and work carefully through the details of the incident,” Austin Police shared in a statement on Tuesday evening. “This case continues to be treated strictly as a death investigation, and there is no evidence to suggest or support any suspicious or criminal circumstances surrounding Ms. Aguilera’s passing.”

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The Travis County Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

According to the Austin Police, officers responded to the scene at 2101 Rio Grande Street at 12:47 a.m. Saturday. Aguilera was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:57 a.m.

“We recognize the deep pain that accompanies the unexpected passing of a loved one, and our thoughts remain with those who are navigating this difficult time,” APD wrote Tuesday. “Our detectives remain committed to investigating the full details surrounding the death of Ms. Aguilera.”

Family members have questions about what led to Aguilera’s death.

Her mother shared that Aguilera “became intoxicated” during a tailgate event on Friday night and returned to a friend’s apartment. She said she did not hear from Aguilera for hours.

“No one really that was really around Bri has come forward and given us definitive answers,” Fernandez said.

We asked the police on Tuesday who was with Brianna at the time of her death. They said that is part of the active investigation.

Safehorns, a public safety group of UT Austin parents and students, said these types of incidents have unfortunately happened in the past on West Campus. President Joell McNew asks people to share what they know.

“If anyone was there, if anyone witnessed something, something that they think may not be important but are now reflecting on it, we want them to reach out to APD,” she said.

McNew suggested resources like the Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) at UT Austin and Tell Somebody at Texas A&M as resources for those with concerns.

A GoFundMe for Brianna’s family is also capturing national attention, with over $36,000 donated as of Tuesday evening.

“I wish that we had a definitive timeline. That’s not going to happen if people do not come forward out of fear for whatever reason. They need to understand that this is a person, someone who was full of life,” Fernandez said.